Hyundai Motor's chief executive voiced optimism that South Korea and the US could reach a solution that benefits both nations regarding temporary business travel for skilled workers to America. This statement came after US immigration officials conducted a raid at the company's battery facility construction site in Georgia earlier this month.
Company president and CEO Jose Munoz delivered these comments during a public appearance, emphasizing that numerous Korean employees who were detained during the September 4 operation at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution collaborative project site were participating in final evaluations of cutting-edge battery manufacturing technology.
More than 310 South Korean employees were apprehended by U.S. immigration officials during the enforcement action, with authorities stating these individuals were engaged in unauthorized employment in the US, including workers holding temporary or tourist visas that prohibit employment activities.
Also Read: Intel Chip Architect Su Fei Returns to China After 20 Years
"We hope that the US and Korea can work on mutually beneficial solutions for short-term business travel, especially for specialized technical expertise," he said during the New York event for global investors and analysts.
Munoz voiced his "sincere empathy" for the workers from Hyundai's partner companies who were detained in the crackdown.
"We understand the stress and hardship this has caused for them and their families, and we are relieved that they returned to Korea safely," he said.
"Many of those colleagues were working on the final calibration and testing of advanced battery production technology at a battery plant supporting our operations in Georgia."
Also Read: Investopia 2025: A Grand Plan to Revitalize the Global Investment Landscape
He stressed that Hyundai has been "part of the fabric of the US" for nearly 40 years and has operated in Georgia for more than 15 years.
Munoz emphasized that the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America facility, which represents a major electric vehicle manufacturing hub in Georgia, will serve a crucial role in the corporation's strategic direction.
This immigration enforcement operation has sparked concerns in South Korea regarding America's reliability as a trustworthy location for foreign investment.
In response to the detention incident, South Korea has suggested creating a joint committee with the US to explore developing a specialized visa classification for skilled Korean professionals, aimed at resolving visa complications that have impeded Korean technology companies from expanding their American investment initiatives.
Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla: Second Indian Astronaut to Turn the Space History Page
President Donald Trump stated that he aims to avoid deterring or discouraging international investments, emphasizing his desire for foreign companies manufacturing semiconductors, vessels, and other sophisticated products to bring their personnel to the US for training American employees.